Tigers in EST: Zach Samuels

Photo courtesy of ucsbgauchos.com

Zach Samuels signed a contract with the Tigers in 2009 after going undrafted out of the University of California-Santa Barbara. He spent most of his two seasons with the Gauchos as a reliever, before moving into UCSB’s weekend rotation during his senior season.

After signing with the Tigers, Samuels was assigned to the GCL Tigers where he established himself as a mainstay in the rotation, making ten starts, pitching 56.1 innings and posting a 2.56 ERA. His strikeout rate of 7.03 SO/9 was unspectacular for a college pitcher in rookie ball and his FIP was a full run higher than his ERA, indicating he may struggle at higher levels.

Perhaps the most positive aspect of Samuels’ professional debut was the improvement of his control. He posted a 2.7 BB/9 with the GCL Tigers, significantly better than the 4.0 BB/9 he had as a senior in college.

Despite being a starter in the Gulf Coast League, Samuels might move to the bullpen this season to make room in the Connecticut Tigers rotation for more heralded prospects.